Skunk Works

Skunk Works in the National Security Context

A definition and brief description of Skunk Works in relation to national security is as follows:The nickname for the headquarters of advanced development programs for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company at Palmdale, California, some 80 miles (128 km) north of Los Angeles in the Antelope Valley. Established in 1943 by what was then known as the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, the Skunk Works has been the birthplace of numerous extraordinary aircraft, including the U-2 and SR71 reconnaissance planes, and the F-117A stealth fighter.